Informational: Effects of The 3.3 / 3.4 Firmwares

Firmware 3.3
Released: June 18th, 2008

The problem:
When a game is finalized by the publisher, it is security signed. The Wii looks for the signature as a part of its authentication check when booting a game. The 3.3 version prevented "trucha" (fake) signed discs from running.

The details:
What does this mean? Games that are "fake signed" are often .ISO images modified for various reasons. They're also very prevalent on Torrent sites.

"Scrubbed" - A game publisher needs to make their title exactly 4.37 GB or 4,699,979,776 bytes (exception being Super Smash Bros. Brawl). Not every game will be of this exact size, so empty / dummy data blocks are placed on the disc as fillers. Wii Scrubber is an application that will remove dummy blocks from the game, thus making it a smaller file to transfer.

"RegionFrii" - Wii games are Region specific. This application will change the region code of a .ISO game image so it's playable on any of the 3 consoles (NTSC-U, NTSC-J, PAL)

"BrickBlocked" - This is the removal / patching of a game's disc embedded update. This is a safety to prevent mixed region updating, thus saving your console from a firmware brick.

As you can see, fake signed games are useful and most likely already in your library. By using the 3.3 firmware, you might render previously working games, useless.

The solution:
If you already have the HomeBrew Channel installed, install the IOS51 / Shop Channel fix.

You will be downgrading to the 3.2 firmware, along with installing many useful applications such as Wad Manager and StarFall. This is highly suggested.

3.3 Notes:
Do you have to downgrade? The answer is "no". If your backups are 1:1 copies with no alterations, they will still play. If you're not interested in the Wad Manager and installing channels to your dashboard, "no".

Firmware 3.4
Released: November 17, 2008

The problem:
When Nintendo issues a firmware update, they prompt the user if they'd like to install it. A part of the 3.4 user agreement is longer being prompted permission. When a 3.5 is released, it will get installed without your knowing.

The details:

Originally Posted by Old Policy

To ensure that your Wii Console is operating properly and efficiently, we may download updates, patches, upgrades and similar software to your Wii Console. In addition, we may disable unauthorized or illegal software that has been placed on your Wii Console without notifying you where necessary, in order to comply with applicable laws, assist law enforcement, protect us and our customers, and prevent the use and distribution of software obtained through improper channels."

Originally Posted by New Policy

We may without notifying you, download updates, patches, upgrades and similar software to your Wii Console and may disable unauthorized or illegal software placed on your Wii Console to ensure that your Wii Console is operating properly and efficiently, comply with applicable laws, assist law enforcement, protect us and our customers, or prevent the use and distribution of software obtained through improper channels.

The problem:
When Nintendo issues a firmware update, they prompt the user if they'd like to install it. A part of the 3.4 user agreement is longer being prompted permission. When a 3.5 is released, it will get installed without your knowing.

Question:

I have 3.4 already with D2pro D2E installed, so far all my burn games both NTSC and PAL are working. What if I disable the wireless network connection, since I don't really needed then Nintendo can't push the 3.5 to my console without my permission, correct?

I have 3.4 already with D2pro D2E installed, so far all my burn games both NTSC and PAL are working. What if I disable the wireless network connection, since I don't really needed then Nintendo can't push the 3.5 to my console without my permission, correct?

They can install it via disc too. Pop in a hypothetical Mario Galaxy 2 and it'll install whatever it wants.

Brickblock it and the 3.3 update (part of the 3.4) won't run the disc unless you're IOS51 / Shop patched.

So your saying that the only bad thing about having v 3.3 is that you have to "scrub" every game you burn? It wont auto update to 3.4+, only 3.4 auto updates right?

Ok this is my first post as I am pretty new to the wii scene and I think by saying "scrub" you mean to put the dummy data back onto any iso not being exactly 4,699,979,776 bytes in size? If my perception of scrubbing is correct and scrubbing removes all the dummy data?

From all my reading by installing firmware 3.4 you have accepted the terms and conditions stating nintendo can update your wii at any point without letting you know. Before 3.4 ie 3.3 or 3.2 etc they could not do this.

Im not fully familar with the Trucha signing etc but basically any disc that has been customed signed is disabled in 3.3 if my understanding are correct and Gecko OS is required to load Trucha signed discs on 3.3.

First, I want to say thanks for all the precious info you provide to all of us.

I am sorry if my question is already repeated and answered, I would like to ask one simple thing only,
I have the 3.4 firmwire version unfortunatelly, could I downgrade to 3.2 and enjoy original and backup games, homebrew channels etc. without a change of damaging my console? Is it safe 100%?

how can i find out which version my wii is?
also, i have the homebrew channel so i don't wish to update my wii cuz i wanna keep playing fake games...but i saw that if i don't update i cannot connect to the internet...